Last updated: June 2, 2025
In Santa Clara, Panama, staying informed about the UV Index is essential for safeguarding your skin and overall health. With a tropical climate characterized by intense sun exposure, understanding UV levels can mean the difference between enjoying a sunny day and risking sunburn or long-term skin damage. From mid-morning to early afternoon, the UV Index often peaks at hazardous levels—reaching as high as 13—making it crucial to take preventative measures. By tracking daily UV fluctuations, you can protect yourself and your loved ones, ensuring that outdoor activities remain enjoyable and safe in this beautiful coastal paradise.
The UV Index for the day follows a distinct pattern, peaking dramatically around noon. Starting at a modest 1 at 07:00, it climbs to 3 by 08:00, then surges to 6 at 09:00. As the sun reaches its zenith, the UV Index hits 12 at 11:00, culminating in a stifling 13 by 12:00 and again at 13:00. After this high point, it gradually dips to 10 at 14:00, before descending further to 7 at 15:00 and tapering off to 4 by 16:00. As the day winds down, the UV Index falls to 1 by 17:00, and finally drops to a negligible 0 by 19:00, marking the end of peak UV exposure. Remember to stay protected during those midday hours!
Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
---|---|---|---|
07:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
08:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
09:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
10:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
11:00 | 12 | extreme | 10 min |
12:00 | 13 | extreme | 10 min |
13:00 | 13 | extreme | 10 min |
14:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
15:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
16:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
17:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
18:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
19:00 | 0 | low | 45 min |
The UV Index displays a notable trend of extreme exposure levels throughout the year, particularly from January to August, with values ranging from 12 to 15. High-risk months for UV exposure are marked from March to May, when the index peaks at 14 to 15, indicating a burn time of just 10 minutes. Even as the summer months transition into fall, levels remain dangerously high. It's crucial for visitors and residents alike to be aware of these risks; protective measures such as sunscreen, hats, and sunglasses are essential, especially during these high-risk periods. While November and December show slightly reduced UV indexes, caution is still advised, as even lower levels can present risks for prolonged exposure. Always prioritize sun safety to reduce the likelihood of skin damage.
UV Risk Categories
Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Santa Clara | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 14 | 13 | 14 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 11 | 10 |
Arraijan UVI | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 14 | 13 | 14 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 11 | 10 |
Juan Diaz UVI | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 14 | 13 | 14 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 11 | 10 |
San Miguelito UVI | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 14 | 13 | 14 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 11 | 10 |
Panama UVI | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 14 | 13 | 14 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 11 | 10 |
David UVI | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 14 | 13 | 14 | 13 | 14 | 14 | 12 | 11 |